NHTSA investigating Dodge Ram 1500 trucks over differential failure
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration confirmed to be investigating some 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 trucks over what appears to be rear differential failures.
A total of 15 customer complaints were filed, reporting that the trucks’ rear differentials locked up and/or that the truck’s driveshaft separated itself from the rear transaxle.
Half of those reports allege that the truck was traveling at speeds of at least 50 mph during their incidents, in which case, a locking differential and a separating driveshaft could invoke some serious problems. Consumers also reported that there was no warning, such as an odd noise, indicating a problem with the truck.
For full details, check out the press release after the jump.
Date Investigation Opened: JUN 24, 2014
Date Investigation Closed: Open
NHTSA Action Number: PE14019
Component(s): POWER TRAIN
All Products Associated with this Investigation expand
Details close
1 Associated Document expand
Manufacturer: Chrysler Group LLC
SUMMARY:
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 15 complaints alleging that the rear differential locked up or the driveshaft separated at the rear connection to the differential in model year 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 pickups. The reports indicate that there was little or no noise or other warning prior to the lock-up and/or separation. Seven incidents occurred at speeds of 50 mph or greater and 2 allege that the rear axle lockup caused the truck to go into a spin (VOQs 10502707 and 10499587). A Preliminary Evaluation has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and safety-related consequences of the alleged defect. The VOQs associated with the opening of this investigation are: 10595057, 10563747, 10551216, 10533970, 10512746, 10508477, 10507139, 10503157, 10502707, 10502402, 10499587, 10487800, 10479516, 10446068, 10446048.
